Minnesota Bridge

Soon - a New Year!

Bridge in January - and Beyond!

Our thanks to all those who help to make our bridge experiences
the BEST that they can be!

We look forward to those who will be playing in January.

And we are grateful to those who will help newer players -
and are excited for both "new-bees"
and for the power house competitors -
Both for their superb abilities and talents.

Feel free to see what all of our various players are up to!
Meet and greet with others.

And here's to fun holidays - 
plus applause with those who have reached new achievements!

January - we will be coming SOON!!!
Get ready, all our players!
We're looking for ya!!

Are you ready for the holidays? I'm not, but it always seems that I do enjoy this time every year in spite of the little details that I didn't get done. As I get older, it's easier to remember that and to just relax and take a dee[ breath. (Sigh) Isn't the snow beautiful in the sun under a bright blue sky? Soon it will be January with more exciting bridge to be played. January Schedule *Alert* The Edina Senior Center will be closed Friday, Dec 23, through Wednesday, Dec 28, so those games are cancelled. The game on Tuesday, Dec 27, in Studio 1 will take place as usual. Tony just announced a new game for 0-1000 pairs at 12:45 on Thursdays, starting January 5. The game will be at Studio 1, 6000 South Lyndale Avenue, Minneapolis. Here's another opportunity for us less experienced players to sharpen our skills without having to face the top players -- who are very nice, but who give me soooo many learning opportunities ;-). The full schedule for January is attached. Unit 178 Board doings Did you know that Unit 178 used to be combined with Unit 103, so that all of Minnesota was in the Gopher unit? That was more than 30 years ago, and the reasons for the split are no longer compelling. So some members of the 178 and 103 boards met a couple of weeks ago to consider reunification. Advantages of combining units include needing fewer volunteers for unit functions including board members, and eliminating some duplication (i.e., 1 treasurer). However there was little enthusiasm for the move because each unit is already rather large, and the trend in the ACBL is to smaller units. So instead, in 2023, the two units will work together to improve the bridge experience for all MN bridge players, with better communication, and coordinated schedules of games, sectional tournaments, and lessons, and shared resources across the units. The Unit 178 board did not meet separately in December. Milestones Congratulations to the following members on their recent achievements: Junior Master: David Carlsen Life Master: Todd Flowerday Ruby Life Masters: Bonnie Fellerman, Gary Kippenberg Gold Life Master: Sandy Fisher Sapphire Life Master: Paul Sitz Diamond Life Master: Robert Schachter Happy Holidays However you celebrate this time of year, I hope that you are safe and warm, and full of good cheer.

 

Short But Sweet!!

Much of Our World Is Changing

And although we spend so much time wondering:

Should I try to take advantage of a particular hand?
If a player isn't very experienced, should I be tougher?
Does it make more sense to avoid disaster?
Or can I win big with my abilites to take advantage of others?

Each of us must decide on our own, which leads to a multitude of choices.

We also may consider plenty more!

I want to help a friend who is improving, yet one who truly can gain from various more wisdom, more experience, and what will ultimately help that friend as he/she learns more and more as they play and become anywhere from good "newbies"
to thoughtful, talented, creative players.

I hope to go into more detail, should we decide to experience more of the enormous information, fun, challenges, frustrations - and plenty more - 
That makes bridge one of the most fascinating games around.

Look out, world!  
Bridge - she is a changing!  

Are We Lucky? YES WE ARE!!

It's "Chilly-Willie" time now!

But with superb people helping at our bridge games.
Food available at various times.

Silver points for those who can grab 'em!

And those who work hard to keep our games super duper!

Tournament Chair:
     Larry McIntyre
        email:   [email protected]

Plus Kimberly Hayward
Tournament Director
AND
Helping with Partnerships

Check out all the details
And have a great time!!

Bridge Center of St. Paul
          Holiday Sectional

       December 9-11, 2022

          2603 6th Ave East
      North St. Paul, MN 55109

 

ACBL Unit 103

Dear Kerry,      Bridge Center of St. Paul           Holiday Sectional        December 9-11, 2022           2603 6th Ave East       North St. Paul, MN 55109 Game Times: 10:00am & 2:30pm            Fees:   $11 per person per session Food:  Friday/Saturday on your own various local resturants walking distance.            Sunday lunch provided during Swiss. Enjoy the season and win some Silver Points. Share some holiday cheer and bring some non-perishable food items. Food items donated to the North St. Paul Area Food Self. See the attached flyer for details. Tournament Chair:      Larry McIntyre         email:   [email protected]  Partnerships:      Kimberly Hayward         phone: 651-271-3500         email:   [email protected] Tournament Director:      Kimberly Hayward Notice: In accordance with ACBL safety protocols:  PROOF OF COVID VACCINATION REQUIRED before being admitted to the playing area. Masks optional unless a player asks opponants to wear masks at their table.

Sunny Turkey Lurkey in Minnesota!

On a shiney day in Minnesota, we'd often see some fine bridge here.

Yet with the nice sunshine, turkeys being roasted
and folks having lots of fun and a marvelous time.

We are more likely to have yummy meals -

and lots of joy and happiness
with family and friends!

And then be able to get some tough and hard core bridge
At the Table!

Here's hoping that many of us have a delightful time today.

And when our tummies are full, we can have a great time at Bridge!

Happy Turkey Day - and Lotsa luck if you beat 'em up at the table too!!

 

Bridge is a Many Splendored Thing!

Whether we have played bridge for a few weeks - or many years.
Bridge is an amazing part of bridge life that fascinates many. (I know all too well!)

With so much going on, it is both delightful to see what is happening.
And sometimes challenging to understand it all.

I shall begin with some of my own experiences.

Many moons ago, (MANY!) - I would drive all the way from the city to where my husband's uncle lived an hour away.  And once or twice a week (or two) - we would play some bridge. 

I was so brand new, that there was way more than I could possibly learn in many weeks - much less just a "here and there" segment of bridge.  I had a fun time.  But I imagine that most of you would know that it takes far far more than "a few weeks" to really start to understand The Greatest Game.

All this was so very long ago, that I simply cannot begin to recall it all.  Yet I will share with you some the fun, complicated, thrilling - etc., etc. aspects of bridge that that began to intrigue me.

I have an aunt - now in her middle 90's - who is an exceptional player.  "Aunt Rosy" thought it would be great fun for me to come to Oklahoma, meet some of her teammates and friends - and
see what I thought about it all.

I fell in love.

My aunt had many friends who were superb bridge players.  Each day I played, Rosalie would find excellent choices for me to learn from the friends.  And as the days continued, I learned more and more from these fine bridge players.

I was such a newby - I could only begin to understand all that was happening.  Yet everyone was so nice, so pleasant - and such fine players - that I was thrilled with the various players and truly began to learn even more.  Amazingly, the last day that we played, our team beat one of the top players in the area - Jim Jacoby.  And we ended up being THE top players at the event!

Being a newby - I was simply ecstatic.  We all hauled into our vehicle, meandered here and there - and had a fabulous time.  More than one of the players commented that Aunt Rosy was incredible - and how fortunate I was to have her.  (Boy they were correct!!)

It turned out that this was the first - AND the last time - that I managed to go from about 7 masterpoints to THREE TIMES AS MANY POINTS at that time EVER in my life!  But I knew I was hooked - so I was determined to keep on learning - both as to how to play bridge - and how to learn from many of the top notch players at the tourney.

My guess is that a great many of us, as the years went bye, learned more and more.  While I never again managed to add THREE sets of new bridge tales.  I did work hard to learn, question, study - and remain stoic when I went wrong.

Do I have more stories to tell?  My goodness; don't know if I could ever count them all!

That being said, I shall stop for now.  There is so much to learn, to enjoy, to have fun and now and then have tears - that I shall wait for our next time for more super duper stories!  Yay!!!!

Unit 178 Board Meeting - November 3, 2022

Minutes of Unit 178 Board Meeting - November 3, 2022

 

Fri, Nov 18, 2022 3:34 pm

 

Steven Gaynor ([email protected])To:you (Bcc) + 1 more Details

 

 The Unit 178 Board of Directors meeting was called to order on November 3, 2022 at 4pm.

 

Present: David Trevor, Cass Weil, Steve Gaynor, Vicky Smith, Deana Liddy, John Schlundt, Sue Sanger, Tom Botten 

 

Deana reported that ACBL has selected Minneapolis as the location of the summer 2026 NABC.  Exact dates and site are not yet determined.  Steve will meet in December with reps from the Unit 103 Board; discussion will include how we will work together to provide volunteer and other assistance for this event.  John and Cass will also attend.

 

Tony’s Saturday game will return to Studio One beginning in January.  He will also hold a sectional tournament May 5-7, likely at Edina.  There was discussion but no decision whether to hold an Aquatennial sectional next summer.  We need to find a tournament chair, the board will seek volunteers.

 

 

Tony’s Saturday game will return to Studio One beginning in January.  He will also hold a sectional tournament May 5-7, likely at Edina.  There was discussion but no decision whether to hold an Aquatennial sectional next summer.  We need to find a tournament chair, the board will seek volunteers.

 

We discussed the need for a stronger pipeline of new directors.  One obstacle appears to be that some who may be willing to direct are not willing to handle all the set=up and other required computer tasks.  However, there may be others who would be willing to handle the computer tasks but prefer to play rather than direct games.  We will try to identify players who might be willing to fulfill these roles, and provide appropriate training.

 

 We discussed what action, if any, the Unit should take when a player dies.  Consensus seems to be to take no action except if the player has been a director, tournament chair or other active leader in the bridge community.  Sue will draft a policy statement prior to the next Board meeting.

 

 Respectfully submitted,

 Sue Sanger

Something for (ALMOST) Everyone!!

Bridge - The Great Game that Changes for Most of Us!

 

Recently, we had a game at our bridge site that was a bit different from the previous one.  Not only was the size of the game somewhat smaller.  But the varied knowledge, preferences, backgrounds are more were different, also.  That being said - nothing really is wrong with that!

Those who have been playing for many years, and have learned so very much as to how bridge functions - and can alter - quite often have a deep sense of the varied aspects of bridge.

And those who either have just started?  Or are just learning?  Or are busy, busy, busy overall, so they are not able to play as frequently as others might?  They might only come to play once a month.  Or don't have the time to go from being "a newbie" - to someone who heads out of state, earns great rewards for their talents, and so forth (at least not super duper fast!)

Yet - that's all OK!  We have varied talents, or little background, fascinated by the game - or find it to be something fun and occasional.

Are we lucky?  Overall, I would say "yes"!  We can sometimes learn rapidly - and be thrilled.  If we have impressive talents, we can help others, win - and take the time to achieve higher goals.

Bridge is an amazingly fascinating, complex (or plain and simple if you're new) game.  We learn from one another.  We teach.  We try harder - or relax, if that happens to be more of our personality.

I look forward to our next games - and how they have their unique details.  And I hope a bunch of us learn more, too!  After all - it IS The Greatest Game!!

The Greatest Game

Bridge IS the greatest game.  I've played it for decades - and shall never tire of it (even if I have to watch instead of play!)

That being said, with so much going on here and there, I'm afraid I shall keep this short and sweet.  I have tried sharing a number of stories about bridge - then and now.  And of some of my favorite exploits.

Yet, with much going on currently, each of my attempts have gone "bye bye".

Thus, that being said - be you a bridge rock star - or someone who plays every now and then - or - is simply learning how to fall in love with this amazing game.  I absolutely hope that as many of us can continue to enjoy and learn and love.  And - perhaps as fall and (perish the thought) - WINTER comes a courting - we can do our best to love this incredible game - and continue to be so happy that we have it!

Here's to enjoying the last colorful leaves and beauty of autumn - and heading out to bridge events in winter!

My Best to ALL!!

Long Ago and Far Away

Like so much in life, bridge does not remain static.  In college, I learned about a wealth of different card games and enjoyed them tremendously.  I began to dip my toes into bridge - yet clearly the game was far more challenging than anything else I'd learned.  When I came to Minnesota and grad school, I did play a bit of bridge, though generally it was no more than 2 or 3 games a month.  And no matter how hard I tried, mistakes and misunderstandings were inevitable, forgetting happened - yet the game remained with challenges that surely were intriguing - and fun.

But bridge "back then" was so very different when I started learning more and more.  While the "super stars" were fascinating to watch, other players would chat and help one another.  And when we found that improvement grew and grew as we watched, listened, and realized more as to how intricate and difficult the bridge world could be.  We nevertheless still continued to learn - with some of us increasing our game upward - and occasionally beating up on the big boys, which was always a thrill!

In Minnesota, our big games were BIG!  I remember the hotels that had so many players competing, that it was easy to see players everywhere, be they novices, intermediates - or the best of the best.  Some of us would reach a level - and stay there.  Others?  They would work so hard, they'd win lots more, learn so much that was once a mystery, and continue to be fascinated by the varied abilities - and lack thereof - of our players.

Recent times have delivered immense change to our games.  Covid managed to take many who were superb players, to relegate themselves and their partners to staying at home.  Others wore their masks - and although this allowed them to play, it clearly was more difficult - and the percentage of players who continued to play dropped dramatically.

Additionally, unfortunately we have lost many of those who played so well.  Yet time and age has ended lives, which again, has caused our games to be fewer and smaller.

Can this change?  Of course.  But we really cannot know immediately what the changes will be, if the games can grow significantly again - or if changes slowly grow again...  Or, if bridge may take a long time to return to our once strong world.

In the meantime, if you can play and you want to play - do so!  Decades of players continue on!

And - just like life itself - bridge has a myriad of fascination, thought, creativity and much more.  Let's hope it returns to growth - and to us.

Peg

Summer will be winding down - Fall Bridge Events are On Their Way!

Once again, summer is winding down before I expect it. But it's State Fair time and school starts next week, so it must be true!

On the plus side, there is a lot to look forward to in bridge this fall in Unit 178.

 

September Schedule of games is attached. Here are some highlights:

Board-a-Match game resumes, Wednesday evening at 6:15

On September 7, Keith Thompson and Tony Ames are restarting the ever-popular Board-a-Match game. Games will be held every other Wednesday at 6:15 pm at the Edina Senior Center. The schedule for 2022-23 is attached.

BAM is a team game without complicated scoring like IMPs, so every board is win or lose and a single extra overtrick (or undertrick) can be a huge difference.

Teams need to register by contacting Keith ([email protected], 612-239-2667) or Tony ([email protected], 952-200-3871). They will help you form a pair or team, too.

New location for Saturday games starting Sep 10

The Saturday FTF game at 1:00 p.m. is moving to the Eden Prairie Center Community Room as of September 10. It's in the basement next to the main rental office and restrooms.

Enter on the East side through the Von Maur store, or on the South through the food court. Take the elevator, located in the center of the mall, down t the basement. It's very similar to the Southdale Center where we had the recent sectional tournament.

Lessons this fall

Tony Ames is offering beginning bridge lessons this fall on Tuesdays at 1:00 pm at the Edina Senior Center. Lessons start September 13 and continue for 8 weeks. Contact the Edina Senior Center at 952-833-9570 to register.

Alternatively, the Bridge Center of St Paul is offering beginning bridge lessons Monday evenings at 6:30 starting September 19, both online and in person. A second series will be held online only on Wednesdays evenings starting September 21. Check out the website for more information or to register http://www.bridgecenterofstpaul.com/

Chat bridge continues

Chat bridge continues every Tuesday at 12:45 at Studio 1. It's a great way to practise and improve your game after you've taken lessons. A number of players have "graduated" to the limited game at the same time, there's always room for more. Contact John Schlundt for more information. [email protected]

Gopher Regional Tournament very successful!

Tournament chair Patti Stuhlman reports that the Gopher Regional tournament last may was very successful. Attendence exceeded expectations, and the tournament even made money. Congratulations and thanks to Patti and her team!

Feedback was generally positive, and suggestions will be taken into account in planning next year's Gopher. I know they've started working on it already.

Milestones

Congratulations to these players who have reached new levels:

• Junior Masters: David Gregg, Carol Hagelee, Carol Lord
• Club Master: Mary Stark
• Sectional Masters: Patti Richardson, Jeffrey Knapp
• NABC Master: Marc Ashton
• Bronze Life Master: Mark McGree
• Silver Life Masters: James LaFave, Michael O'Leary

We are On Our Way!

Our Apologies for Problems

But - We WILL be On Our Way!

Looking forward to connecting again very soon!  And appreciate your understanding!

Hold On to Your Hats!!

It’s almost time for the SIZZLIN’ SUMMER SECTIONAL!

When?

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

August 3, 4 and 5

Where?

Southdale Mall, lower level, below Hennepin County Service Center

Paid/Team games everyday at 10 AM and 2:15 PM.

 

Best entrances are #8 (Dining Pavilion) and #13 by Hennepin County Service Center

Escalators and elevators at both entrances

Bring your favorite partner!

And let’s play bridge!

Thanks!

Vicky Smith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The No-Trump Ladder!

THE NO-TRUMP LADDER

By Steven Gaynor

How many of you play a no-trump ladder?  Ok, why do you not all have your hands up?  Yes, you all play it whether you know it or not! 

When you have a balanced or semi-balanced hand you have a specific and unique way to tell partner exactly how many HCP’s you have within 1 or 2 points.  Let’s look at a typical ladder, most common among duplicate players.

Your hand shapes (with no particular order to the suits) are normally 4-3-3-3, 4-4-3-2, or 5-3-3-2.  6-3-3-2 is also OK in some instances.  How do you show your HCP’s?  Here is my ladder.  You should discuss these ranges with your partners and revise them if you like.

12-14: Open you convenient minor and re-bid 1N.  You just about guarantee you do not have 15 HCP when you re-bid 1N.   This way partner can pass those 9 or bad 10 counts knowing game is a long shot at best.

15-17: Open 1N*.  Consider doing this even with a 5-card major.  How else will you get your partner to know your HCP strength?  Take a hand with 2 spades and 5 hearts (2-5-3-3) and 15-16 HCP.  You open 1H and partner responds 1S.  Your next call is a big lie.  You are too strong to bid 1N, you do not have enough hearts to re-bid them, you cannot raise spades, and you do not have a 2^nd suit to show.  So lie about your heart length at the start and show your partner your overall strength.   It is just about always better to tell the truth about your strength when you have to tell one lie or another.

18-19: Open with your normal suit bid and jump to 2N (or raise partner’s 1N response to 2N).  If you jump to 3N you should be showing a long running suit (usually the minor you opened) and are hoping to get the lead early and cash nine fast tricks.  Partner’s first bid usually covers a suit in which you have shortness and no stopper.  It does NOT show the 18-19 HCP hand.  That is what 2N shows.  You should not have two bids that can mean the same thing.

20-21: Open 2N*. 

22-24: Open 2C and re-bid 2N*.

25-26: Open 3N*.The 25+ hands come up as often as the systemic bids (gambling, solid suit, etc.).

27-29: Open 2C and re-bid 3N*.  This rarely comes up unless you are my opponent at Rubber Bridge.

30-37: Check the deck to make sure it is not from a pinochle game.

*To keep things simple, I recommend that you use your normal responses over any strong NT opener or overcall (Stayman/transfers, etc.) no matter what level partner bids his strong NT (1, 2, 3).  If you do the same thing all the time you will not have to worry about it.

Current ACBL rules concerning 1 no-trump opening bids:

1. You MUST announce the range.  Please get used to this.
2. Opening with a singleton is OK as long as the singleton is a Q, K or A.
3. You cannot have a doubleton if you open with a singleton.
4. Examples of illegal 1 NT opening shapes include:
   1. 6-4-2-1
   2. Any hand with a void or two singletons.
      
                        Our thanks to Steve for these lessons!
      
            Part of our education is that we are ALWAYS LEARNING!

 

The World According to Keith Thompson - (We are Thankful!)

Keith Thompson is Unit 103 GNT Coordinator - and we are fortunate to have him.  Keith has lots to share with us, for which we are grateful.  So I will share with you what Keith views as the good and bad (no "ugly" from Keith, thanks!)
We appreciate what he is doing - and look forward to what the future brings!
*********************************************************************************************

 Hi All - I am Keith Thompson, Unit 103 GNT Coordinator.

 

          The best experience I had during the recently ended Gopher Regional was seeing all the people I have played with, and against, in one place, and face to face. The social aspect of our game is very important to me, not to mention that it is impossible to feel ‘table presence’ when you play online.

          While chatting up all these old friends, one question kept getting repeated. “Keith” I heard, “ What is the status of the Grand National Teams?” So I will tell it to you so    that everyone will know, that there is good news and there is bad news.

          First the bad news. There were so few teams registered for the Grand National Teams this year that a semifinal wasn’t necessary to cut down on the field. That is not the sort of news I like to relate. I think that team games are a true test of bridge skill. It always amazes me that people who compete in pairs games are unwilling to test their mettle in the team arena. Just like you trust your partner in a pairs game, you trust your teammates in a team game, to help you best the opponents over a set number of boards.

 

Team games are fun! You don’t need individual heroics to save a match; you can count on your teammates to salvage a push. And you don’t need to berate yourself or your partner when things go south.  All four of you can share responsibility for a bad result! So you have many opportunities to show your character.

          But how about the good news? Well, the good news is related to the bad news. Because so few teams registered for the GNT semifinals, there is opportunity for more teams to enter before the finals commence on Saturday, June 18. We have openings for two Flight A teams to enter, and one more Flight C team. The Open Flight and the B Flight both have 4 teams registered, and these teams will face off that Saturday to determine the two teams to play for entry to the Nationals in Providence, Rhode Island.

The Director in Charge, Kimberly Hayward, has informed me that she will accept 3 more teams, on a first-come, first-entered system, to fill out the ‘A’ and ‘C’ flights.

 

          Here is an abbreviated version of the Conditions of Contest, for anyone who wishes to attempt to win a subsidized trip to the Nationals to play for District 14. Players should know that there are subsidies from the Units to help you get to the Nationals, and you will have free entry to the GNT sessions.

The Providence NABC starts on July 13, 2022

         Strata are determined by your Sept.1, 2021 master point total, so any points earned after that date will not affect your eligibility for a flight.

          Flight A no more than 6000 masterpoints

          Flight C must be a non life master under 500 masterpoints

          Players must be paid up ACBL members with principle residence in District14 as of a year previous to Sept.1            

A player must have played in a qualifying team game during the September through March qualification period (or the Unit 178 Last Chance Qualifier in May)

Are You Qualified?  To find out: check this link

https://web2.acbl.org/documentLibrary/play/GNT_Qualifiers/GNT_D14.pdf

 

Or: Go to the ACBL main page

Go down to Club Corner

Go down to Special Events

Go over to GNT COC/Qualifiers

Under GNT Qualifiers click on District 14

Any questions? Contact Keith Thompson, Unit 103 GNT Coordinator [email protected]

 

If you have a team of qualified players, this is what you wish to do next:

 

Teams need to register at their earliest convenience as this is first-come, first-entered. Please register by emailing names, emails and BBO names for all players to [email protected]. Each team will pay a fee of $60 for the first day of the finals in June, and the two final teams $60 for the final. These fees are payable to District 14 GNT and should be mailed c/o Kimberly Hayward, Bridge Center of St Paul, 2603 6th Ave E, N St Paul, MN 55109.

 

The Finals to determine each flight's representation for the NABC will take place on the weekend of June 18 and 19, with two 26-board segments between the contending teams on Saturday to determine the two teams which will compete on Sunday.

 

The winner of the finals of each event will represent District 14 in Providence, RI at the NABC July 13- 17.

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS FOR TWIN CITY AREA PLAYERS

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS FOR TWIN CITY AREA PLAYERS

from Steven Gaynor (e-mail: [email protected]) 

(C): 612-708-7563   

PLEASE USE THIS WHEN PLANNING YOUR BRIDGE EVENTS IN ORDER TO AVOID SCHEDULING CONFLICTS – THANKS!

JUNETEENTH, 2022

 

If an event is not listed, it has not been sanctioned with the ACBL as of the date above.  These events and dates are subject to being changed by the local regulating authorities.

 

COLOR KEY:   NABC’S; DISTRICT 14 REGIONALS;  MINNESOTA SECTIONALS; DISTRICT 14 GNT/NAP EVENTS;

                              WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

 

2022

Jun 23 - 25     Granite City Sectional @ 850 19^th St. South in Sartell,

                         MN 

Jun 29 – Jul 2  REGIONAL @ Waterloo Center For the Arts in

 Waterloo, Iowa        

Jul 21 - 31     SUMMER NABC @ PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY CENTER IN PROVIDENCE, RI

Aug  3 - 5      Sizzling Summer Sectional @ Southdale Mall, Edina, MN

Aug   20        I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

Aug 22 - 28     REGIONAL @ Lake Hallie Eagles club in Eau Claire, WI

Sep             International Fund game month – Games @ local clubs

Sep 12 - 15     D14 STaC @ participating clubs

Oct    4        Yom Kippur starts (evening)

Oct  6 - 8      Med City Sectional @ St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

Nov 24 - Dec 4  FALL NABC @ PHOENIX CC & HYATT REGENCY IN PHOENIX, AZ

Dec   1         I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

Dec 9 - 11    Holiday Sectional @ Bridge Center of St Paul, N. St Paul, MN

 

 

2022-23 Sectionals in District 14, but not MN

 

2022

Jul 15 – 17     Sioux Falls, SD

Aug 26 – 27    Hills, IA

Aug 27 – 28    Urbandale, IA (I/N)

Sep  8 – 11     Urbandale, IA

Sep 23 – 25    Spirit Lake, IA

Sep 23 – 25    Dubuque, IA

Oct 14 - 15     Davenport, IA

Nov  4 – 6      Waterloo, IA

 

Aug 26 – 27    Urbandale, IA (I/N)

Sep  7 – 10     Urbandale, IA

Sep 22 – 24    Spirit Lake, IA

Sep 22 – 24    Dubuque, IA

Oct 20 - 22     Davenport, IA

Nov  3 – 5      Cedar Falls, IA 

 

 

NORTHERN WISCONSIN (WUMBA) EVENTS 2022

 

2022

Jul 10 – 12     Fitchburg, WI (I/N REGIONAL)

Jul 10 – 12     Fitchburg, WI (open sectional)

Sep 15 – 17    Wausau, WI

Oct 13 – 15    Marquette, MI

Nov 11 – 13    La Crosse, WI

 

This calendar is made up from information on the ACBL website.  I do not have authority to schedule events. But I am willing to assist anyone trying to plan a bridge activity in finding the best dates to maximize potential attendance. 
Please contact me anytime for more information or if you have additions or corrections to this calendar.  

The Passing of a Member

We are sad to report that we have lost one of our members.

 

Jeff Dziuk passed away last night, from multiple medical problems.

Jeff was a Sapphire Life Master holding a bit more than 3,700 points.  He was a very long time member of the club, and Jeff did our bookkeeping for years on a voluntary basis.  He had lots of regular partners, namely Larry Johnson.

Both partners and opponents will miss Jeff.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.  Prayers and blessings to his family and many friends.

Kimberly Hayward, Club Manager
Bridge Center of St. Paul
651.490-5430 w
651.271.3500 c

 

 

 

 

 

June 25th - Unit 103 Membership Meeting to be Held

Unit 103 Membership Meeting to be Held June 25^th

 

While playing at the recent Gopher Regional, several of us wore our name badges identifying us as ACBL Unit 103 Board members.  A frequent question we encountered was: “What does a Unit Board do?”

Well, now is a perfect time to find out!  For the first time post-Covid, we will be holding an in-person Unit 103 membership meeting during the upcoming Granite City Sectional.

 

What Happens at a Membership Meeting?

Come and meet your Unit 103 Board Members -- learn what your Unit does, how Unit 103 “fits” inside ACBL, and hear quick updates on our Unit’s plans and finances.  Feel free to ask us questions or offer suggestions for the betterment

 of this game we all love! 

 

How do I know if I am a Member of Unit 103?

You are if you are an ACBL member and reside within the geographical area of Unit 103 (i.e. most of Minnesota, except Minneapolis and its suburban areas), or you live elsewhere but have retained your membership with Minnesota Gopher Unit 103. 

Other interested persons are welcome to attend the membership meeting, especially anyone considering joining ACBL.

 

What are the Meeting Arrangements? 

The annual meeting will be held on Saturday, June 25^th, during the St Cloud Granite City Sectional, held in Sartell MN this year.  Come and play in the Sectional’s team and pair games played each day from June 23 to June 25, and then join us for the Membership meeting between Saturday’s playing sessions on June 25^th.  The tentative start time is 12:30 p.m..

As a final enticement … there is such a thing as a free lunch!  A tasty luncheon will be provided.   

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Sincerely,

The Unit 103 Board of Directors
Sue Greenberg, President

Matt Belau (Rochester)

Amy Dutton (St Paul)

Rajiv Kapadia (Mankato)

Connie Nelson (St Cloud)

Warren Nelson (Duluth)

Tom Owens (Woodbury)

Keith Thompson (St Paul)

 

The Most Fascinating Game

So when did you start playing bridge?  In high school?  College?  Not until grad school?  Or did you begin to learn after getting settled into the career of your choice?

My guess is that for many of us, we began to learn bit by bit, perhaps playing every couple of weeks and attempting to stay out of the dog house.  Or going out after the evening game ended, where the tough guys who had been playing for some time both fascinated and explained to the hoi polloi.  And the newbies did their best to listen and learn, staying quiet after a few disasters - yet other times excited by the thrill of a win!

"Mad City" in Wisconsin had a myriad of games in The Rathskeller, with a wide variety of choices to play throughout the week. And more than a few - like myself - would aim to win at a variety of games, with bridge so very tough I would only do a bit here and there as the long time champs dazzled me with their brilliance.

One of my first incredible times at the bridge table was when my Aunt Rosalie (world's oldest living teenager, as Mike Passel would describe her) invited me to come to Oklahoma and play with Aunt Rosy and her many talented friends.  Everyone was SO very nice to me and so much fun!  And the tournament was the first - and last time that not only did I win masterpoints in every game that week - but I TRIPPLED my masterpoint holding!  The crown jewel of my thrill was when our Sunday team WON the final event, beating Jim Jacoby and company!

As the years went by, I learned more, managed to not get hysterical when I lost an event by ONE masterpoint (ugh) - and meet players literally from all over the world.  I was madly in love with bridge, the people (be they super stars or trying hard to learn) - and both worked hard to improve my game and have fun.

And then?  3 years ago I was waiting to hop on a flight to Las Vegas when suddenly I realized I could not stand up!  I lied down on the floor, vomited non stop for about 45 minutes, until paramedics finally packed me up - and took me to the hospital.  I won't go through the gory details of having 9 oncologists examine me each day, some weeping as they believed me to have the worst possible type of brain cancer. And the odds of me lasting an entire year were close to nil.  But the good news?  Turns out I did not have that type, and thus the odds were that I could last longer than originally anticipated.  Unfortunately, my brain had been attacked so very much, the odds of my memory and a number of other previous abilities were such that much of me would always have many significant problems.

Which brings me to a simply wonderful time I had at our recent tournament!  I kibitzed for two days, having not been able to see hardly anyone for about 2.5 years.  And everyone competing could not have been nicer, friendlier, more supportive and fun!  The last day of the tournament, I was included with the winners (despite being at home that day!)  And again, everyone was so kind, I felt that I was in nirvana!

I am SO glad that people are beginning to play again!  I am SO grateful that overall, those working so hard at our tournament were fabulous and did a superlative job.  And I personally felt so lucky that I could kibitz, chat with friends I had missed for too long - etc., etc.

The odds for me are such that I may never be able to play bridge again.  Yet with such fine people in our games - be they super stars or those working hard to become reasonable competitors - or just having loads of fun...  I hope that bridge will begin to flourish once again, as it did years ago when I fell in love with the game and the people.

 

Tomorrow is THE DAY!

We've been so fortunate to get loads of information for tomorrow's first
day of the Gopher's May's tournament!

Loads of hard working bridge players have given their all
so that whether you are a super-star - or this is your FIRST
tournament ever - you can compete, have fun, learn and perhaps
WIN TOO!!!

Many details have been introduced to us over the weeks.
Please do feel free to inquire, chat with others and more.

If you have any questions, feel free to check with those
who have been working SO very diligently so they can
deliver a marvelous tournament to all!

And remember...  even the greatest players ever don't always win.

And if you're a newer player and have a win?

Trust me.  It's a thrill like no other!

 

 

We are SO LUCKY! Connie is Going to the Gopher; Hope You Follow Suit!

I’m Going to the Gopher.   

Hope You Follow Suit!

By Connie Nelson

The 2022 Minnesota Gopher Regional is one week away.  We are ready and waiting.  Now, we just need you – the players!  Each day offers a variety of two-session and single-session events with games for players of all experience levels.  Six days await you (May 23-28, Monday-Saturday) to play bridge, win gold masterpoints, and more.

Personally, I can’t wait.  For the first time in three years, I recently played my first face-to-face, multi-club bridge game at the ACBL Unit 103 Awards Luncheon.  There was something so energizing about being back amidst the camaraderie of new and familiar faces, and that friendly competition.  I found myself sitting up straighter and my heart beating faster.  I was more focused on the bids, the play, and my defense than I ever was playing online.  I loved it!

Now, come and enjoy the Gopher with me.  Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at the Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel, at 34^th Avenue & American Blvd in Bloomington. Games start at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• Make your room reservation today. Call (952) 854-9000, and ask for discount code MGB. Single or double rooms are only $99/night, and suites are $129.
• Before leaving home, check current COVID positivity rates and ACBL protocols on our website: ly/gopherregional. Currently, Hennepin County is rated “medium” and masking is optional.
• COME EARLY the first day you come to play. Allow for a little extra time to get the wristband signifying that you are fully vaccinated. 
• When you arrive, please park on the top level of the hotel’s ramp. Parking is free.
• Check in at the Health and Safety Desk to get the vaccination wristband you’ll need to buy an entry or enter the playing area. Pre-register by sending a picture of your vaccination card to [email protected]; then simply show your photo ID at the Desk.  Or show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.
• Pick up your free Gopher Regional pen, pencil, and sticker at the Information Desk. You will also find information on game schedules and area attractions.
• Grab a cup of free coffee or tea.  Off-site and on-site dining is conveniently nearby.  Onsite, the Caribou Kiosk will offer a $10 lunch, or $5 pizza & beverage, daily.
• Find a partner or teammates at the Partnership Desk. Please come an hour before the session in which you are interested.  Or, better yet, email Partnership Chair Sue Grue at [email protected] prior to May 23^rd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games. This year, cashless transactions are preferred.  All major credit cards will be accepted.  Please understand that due to COVID protocols, we will not be able to offer change for cash payment.  Canadian players, please identify yourselves to ensure you receive the promised discount.
• Have a great time, and Go-Pher the Gold!

You may think that only experienced players attend Tournaments.  Not true!  Intermediate and Newcomer players are encouraged to attend too.  You can play in an I/N game that only players with fewer than 299 masterpoints can enter.  There are Gold Rush games for Gold Points for players with under 750 masterpoints. You can “Go-Pher” it, and try a stratified open game.  You pick and choose.

And breaking news!   Thanks to a grant from the MN Bridge Education Foundation, players with fewer than five masterpoints can play in the I/N games for free!  And, free lessons will be given from 2:00-2:30 Tuesday through Friday in the I/N playing area.  Bring your lunch and learn. 

Daily “Lunch and Learn” Topics

• Tuesday, May 24. Negative Doubles  with Larry Huiras               

Learn the secrets of negative doubles.  You will be surprised!

• Wednesday, May 25. DONT with Greg Caucutt

We will discuss the Do's and DONT's of one of the most popular conventions for Disturbing Opponents’ No Trump (i.e. DONT).

• Thursday, May 26. Responses to Overcalls with Connie Nelson

Your partner bids over an opponent’s opening bid.  What kind of hand does she promise?  How do you respond?  Come learn some common partnership agreements - and why they are useful.

• Friday, May 27. What do You Know, Joe?  with James Schnepf

A good detective picks up clues to help determine what to do next.  So does a good bridge player.  What clues can you pick up from the bidding and opening lead that will help you decide how to play the hand?

We are excited to have our face-to-face tournament back and look forward to seeing you there.   If you have any other questions, visit our website at: bit.ly/gopherregional, or contact me at [email protected].

Our BIG THANKS to Connie - 

And All the Others who are working SO DILIGENTLY
 
So we can have a SUPERLATIVE GOPHER REGIONAL!!